Undateable is a “classic throwback sitcom, it cracks me the frick up,” executive producer Bill Lawrence told reporters at NBC Press Day. Though the show is about a bunch of mostly young single guys, it does not push any content envelope, Lawrence said. “One of the things I’m really proud of is, it’s laugh out loud funny without being crass. This feels reminiscent of the shows I grew up loving, like Cheers. I didn’t try to push the envelope too much…If you’re a on a network its hard to compete with shows like Louie or Veep that have no language standards, or nudity standards, or content standards,” he said. Lawrence said he set out to do a multi-camera comedy because it’s “where the networks can compete with cable. I enjoy watching Veep, and Silicon Valley is funny as balls — check it out,” he said. “Multi-camera comedies — I grew up with NBC being the king of them,” he said.
Not so long ago, Lawrence did not have much good to say about NBC. Now he speaks fondly of the network. “My biggest show, Scrubs was on there for 23 years,” he said, calling NBC, “definitely a network on the upswing. I would not be shocked if NBC won the whole year. ” In the old days, he said, he would not have turned up at this event because summers on NBC was “where shows go to die.” But that’s no longer the case, Lawrence added quickly. “NBC is doing the most original programming — it’s more of a cable model.”

“I think this new show is gonna work — that’s my new thing,” Lawrence joked.

In February, the producers announced NBC’s midseason comedy series Undateable would embark on a multi-city, cross-country comedy tour to promote the show that will hit all the top TV markets. The tour featured series co-creator/exec producer Lawrence and stars Chris D’Elia, Brent Morin, Ron Funches and Rick Glassman — all stand-up comedians — with each show presenting a stand-up set from each of the actors sneaking the humor on the show and Lawrence serving as host. “Since it’s so hard to launch a network comedy in this competitive landscape, we thought we would try a little grassroots marketing,” said co-creator/executive producer Adam Sztykiel. “Plus, it will be exciting to see Bill travel around in a van.”

I hear this is the best network multi since the 90’s because the writers and cast are all so crazy funny. Can’t wait to watch! Kudos to Mr. Lawrence for casting comedians with real chemistry so it would translate onto the small screen right away.

This mindset that cable has the upper hand because their content standards are different is just as lame as the mindset that single cams are somehow smarter or more nuanced than multicams.

I gather most of these people wouldn’t have been able to write comedy in the 1950s or 1960s.

Right on • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

Right on. Great comment.

milo • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

I think it was just a response to people who fixate on broadcast TV’s inherent limitations compared to cable If a specific viewer loves crass humor or dramas with violence and nudity, it’s true that broadcast TV isn’t going to provide that. You just can’t do Game of Thrones or Sopranos or Shameless or Dexter on broadcast TV.

And I’m not who else you’re including in “most of these people” but I think BL would do just fine in the 50s or 60s, if anything he’s much more in that vein than most of what is on TV now. Frankly I think it’s refreshing to see someone like him embrace the “classic” sitcom instead of trying to pander and keep up with trends.

Miffy • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

GOOD FOR YOU BILL LAWRENCE! I love this positive attitude. It looks good on you! (As do polo shirts and khakis!)

I’m looking forward to UNDATEABLE bc Bill is a talent and I hear a good guy.

Who here is a Bill fan? (Raises own hand) I AM! (Looks around room, sees every hand up!)

Jiffy • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

This is Jiffy, Miffy’s sister. Miffy, if you’re reading this, please come back to the mental ward. If anyone out there is with Miffy or knows her whereabouts, please contact the police. We followed a trail of crushed Scrubs DVDs from the hospital and believe she is currently en route to Burbank.

Abe Lastfogel • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

This is the funniest comment I have ever seen on Deadline. Mazel Tov. You sir, need a lit agent.

Miffy • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

Jiffy! Long time, no talk. How’s life in the mental ward? They finally let me out after I agreed to stop watching any and all of Bill Lawrence’s TV shows. They are unfunny enough to drive one to insanity.

Stiffy • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

Hey Jiffy. Cool that they let you out. We all think it’s so ridiculous that TV shows put you in a ward. Why didn’t you just change the channel, or get off the couch and write a pilot that gets bought, then produced, then tested and picked up to series?

Also, the guys in this show are hot and the girls have dope butts. And everyone but Brent has a big dodger.

Miffy • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

There are two things Bill Lawrence is really good at: writing excruciatingly unfunny “comedies”; and complaining about “poor network treatment” of dismally low-rated shows that still somehow manage to score renewals.

I truly believe he has made a deal with the devil.

Will • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

all this talk about the show.. but when does it premiere?

I don’t see a date listed anywhere on here…

Trent • on Apr 8, 2014 4:51 pm

Bill Lawrence knows how to make a hit better than anyone. Only 1 of his shows was cancelled before syndication. THAT is impressive. Currently has 3 in syndication, with at least 1 looking like it’s on it’s way. Plus, he’s goddamn hilarious. His generation’s Larry Gelbart.

Spin City and Scrubs are both in syndication, Cougar Town has the syndication deal worked out and already has 89 episodes (more than enough). Ground Floor got renewed and looks like it could go the distance, Surviving Jack is said to be looking strong for a renewal, Undateable could potentially get a renewal as its up against virtually no competition.

What qualifies as a hit to you, Miffy? Last time I checked 9 seasons equals a hit. And don’t forget the massive cult following the show has.